By Amos Aar
THE SPEAKER of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Berger, has ordered his constituents and supporters to disrupt any gathering, including church services, where Governor Hyacinth Alia is criticised.
Berger made the remarks while addressing supporters at a decamping ceremony, as captured in a viral video that has since drawn attention and reactions.
In the video, the lawmaker accused federal office holders from Benue State of failing to attract development to the state, arguing that they therefore lack the moral justification to criticise the governor or seek election in 2027.
Speaking in Tiv language, Berger said the resources available to federal office holders from the state far exceed what he receives as a state legislator, yet, according to him, they have failed to impact the lives of the people.
“The money I get, which I use to execute projects for you everywhere in Makurdi Local Government, is not up to the money those people get from Abuja. It will go into their own up to 30 times. But they have not done anything for you, not even a single hand-dug water well. So, they are not qualified to come and talk to you about elections.
“If anybody comes to talk about Alia anyhow, even if it is in the church, let the church scatter. Let me tell you today.
“I want to appreciate those of you who have chosen the path of Alia today,” Berger said.
The remarks have caused heat particularly over the call to disrupt religious gatherings, amid concerns about political intolerance and freedom of expression as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
For some people like Jirba Terfa Jirba, there is nothing wrong with the speaker’s statement because according to him, it is “political in nature”.
However, for Dan-Morgan Ihomun, it’s a call for war that will turn even churches into “battlegrounds”.
